Bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease or another underlying health issue. It’s important to keep your gums healthy and free from infection. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and solutions for bleeding gums.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Gum disease is the most common cause of bleeding gums. Periodontal disease (or periodontitis) happens when bacteria build up in your mouth resulting in inflammation and infection of the gums. Other causes of bleeding gums include:
• Hormonal Changes: Hormone levels can cause the gums to become more sensitive, leading to inflammation and bleeding.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing or flossing your teeth regularly can lead to plaque buildup which in turn can cause gum irritation, infection, and bleeding.
• Vitamin Deficiency: A lack of certain vitamins can lead to the weakening of the tissue in the gums which can cause bleeding.
• Smoking: Smoking not only causes poor oral hygiene but also increases your risk of developing periodontal disease.
• Medications: Some medications can cause dry mouth or interfere with the normal healing process of the gums, leading to gum irritation and bleeding.
• Trauma: Injury to the mouth from a hard object such as a toothbrush can cause your gums to bleed.
What Are The Symptoms Of Bleeding Gums?
The most common symptom of bleeding gums is visible blood when brushing or flossing your teeth. Other symptoms include:
• Red, swollen, and tender gums
• Receding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Painful chewing
• Changes in bite alignment
What Are The Solutions For Bleeding Gums?
The best way to prevent and treat bleeding gums is through proper oral hygiene. Here are some tips:
• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Floss at least once daily
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash
• Avoid tobacco products and excessive alcohol consumption
• See a dentist regularly
• Eat a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals
• Take any necessary medications as prescribed by your doctor
If bleeding gums are caused by periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend additional treatments such as scaling and root planing to remove plaque buildup, antibiotic therapy to fight infection, and pocket reduction surgery to repair damaged tissue.
Conclusion:
Bleeding gums can be a sign of poor oral hygiene or an underlying health issue. In some cases, it is a result of periodontal disease which can cause inflammation and infection in the gums. It is important to practice good oral hygiene habits by brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, using an antiseptic mouthwash, and seeing a dentist regularly. If bleeding gums are caused by periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend treatments such as scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, and pocket reduction surgery.
What causes bleeding gums?
The most common cause of bleeding gums is periodontal disease (or periodontitis), which happens when bacteria build up in your mouth resulting in inflammation and infection of the gums. Other causes include hormonal changes, poor oral hygiene, vitamin deficiency, smoking, medications, and trauma to the mouth.
What are the symptoms of bleeding gums?
The most common symptom is visible blood when brushing or flossing your teeth, along with red, swollen and tender gums, receding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and painful chewing.
How can I prevent and treat bleeding gums?
The best way to prevent and treat bleeding gums is through proper oral hygiene such as brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, using an antiseptic mouthwash, and seeing a dentist regularly. If bleeding gums are caused by periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend additional treatments such as scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, and pocket reduction surgery.
